Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  No regrets here - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Melissainva - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I conducted a lot of research before committing to purchase the Escape. I drove all the comparable vehicles (Liberty, Saturn, Santa Fe, etc.) and the Ford had the best handling response, most fun to drive and met all my needs - V6, cargo space, appearance, mileage, 4WD, and so on. If anyone is interested in the compact SUVs, I would highly recommend the Ford Escape be considered. After test driving, I think youll find yourself wanting to make a purchase.

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  2005 Escape Review - 2005 Ford Escape
  By cb - March 24 - 12:13 am

  Ride feels very comfortable. Interior feels larger than exterior dimensions of the vehicle would indicate. Steering is very responsive. Ergonomically, things are designed very well. Exterior is nicely designed as well. Dashboard and instrument panel is clean, intuitively easy to use, without being too cluttered. Very nice sound system.

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  First New Car in 15 Years! - 2006 Ford Fusion
  By ScottLee - March 23 - 9:53 pm

  This was the first new vehicle I have purchased in almost 15 years. I fell in love instantly. Styling is excellent. Mature, yet sporty. Handles like a dream. Power, even in the 4 cylinder feels equivalent to the V6 Tauruses that I had been driving. Great fuel economy, fun to drive, quiet riding stylish. Bottom line is when I am behind the wheel I cant help but feel young again!

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  Love It - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By M. Christlieb - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I love the Explorer. For the most part no major problems, knock on wood, just little things here and there. Nice performance, pretty good handling considering, and great look.

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  Was good for a while, but... - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By smilingbrownbear - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought this program vehicle in 1997. Had 22,000 miles and now has 120,000. Was very good (although it had some irritating electrical problems) until it hit 100,000 miles. Needed a transmission - surprise! Got a remanufactued one for $2,400. New tranny is fine. Terrible electrical system now requires trips to the shop every few months. Also has some problems when just started and idling.

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  Ford is NOT quality - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By stevenoford - March 23 - 2:00 am

  The van itself has been fine. Few repairs over the past 7yrs. Now, we were expieriencing a leak of greenish- brown fluid (uh oh). $2200 for replacement of two gaskets. I hope ford comes through and pays for some of it. But, not likely to happen. First/last ford no matter if they pay for it. I mean come on.... seems like there is a problem w/this 3.8 engine. They should recall it vs. designing the engine for 70k miles (just out of warranty) Ford is where quality sucks.

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  I will never own another Ford - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By fordhater1 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 99 Ford Windstar used from a reputable dealer. After having it for 10 months, the interior and exterior lights began to dim. The fan blower began to surge and the dome lights would flicker on and off at any given time. A days later the battery was dead. Something id draining the battery, but 3 Ford dealerships cannot find the root cause. The van has been in the shop for the last 6 months and counting. We my have driven it for 3 weeks out of the last 6 months. Never buy a Ford product.

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  1999 Windstar LX - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By F.O.R.D. - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I have 83K. The front end has had problems since day one. I had bad pinging caused by leaky intake manifold gaskets ($1000). Rack & Pinion went bad ($600). Rear window leaks. Dealer installed remote keyless entry has never worked properly.

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  Fun Car - 2004 Ford Thunderbird
  By RJRamos - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Enjoy the comfort and style T-bird brings to driving. Performs on a dime.Does need more trunk room. When handling on the road this car size and weight is more comfortable than many other cars in its class.

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  Think twice b4 buying - 1998 Ford Expedition
  By Just1person - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This is my first truck and I have to say, if this is your first time driving, this is a great suv to learn on. The outside looks good but they need to make the inside a little less complex. Had some transmission problems that would cost more than I want to spend but it is a pretty good and comfortable truck.